As an entrepreneur, doctoral candidate, social media and marketing consultant to a multi-million dollar online business, at times, I wish there were more hours in a day. Unfortunately, there aren’t, so I have to manage my time well. I’m not going to pretend, I haven’t always been the best, and I’m still learning, but along the way I’ve picked up some tips to help me create structure and balance in my life. Here are my top five tips to creating balance in a crazy world.
photo credit//Betssssy
- Ask for help. If you struggle in the area of managing your time, be honest with yourself and ask for help.
Ask others to assist you with what you may be working on. I haven’t always done this in the past (although I’m doing more of it) but the freedom of outsourcing tasks (that others may be better at) frees me up to do more. Still, I’m not the best in this area, but I have progressed.
- Don’t try to do it all at once. Do you really have to do everything all at once from start to finish?
Sure, there are multiple tasks that need to be completed, but you must get into the habit of pacing yourself. Of course, if the project doesn’t require too much time, then you may want to knock it out. However, if it requires over ten hours of time, you have to be smart about it. Someone gave me this great tip. Have one main project you work on, one in development, and one in the idea phase. The only reason my book, The DreamChaser’s Handbook, was completed this year (stress free) is because I paced myself.
- Don’t procrastinate. “I have till tomorrow” “I can do it next week.” “It’s really not a priority.” –Get rid of these sayings immediately!
I know it’s a conflict at times, but do not, I repeat, do not wait until the very last minute to do stuff. Every single day, no matter how big or small, you should be working on your project well before the deadline. For me, it’s such a conflict, especially when I’m working on my doctorate (not fun or creative at all) versus working on social media projects (fun and creative!) Give yourself thirty minutes to an hour a day to accomplish your goals.
- Realize your priorities. Don’t allow yourself to be pulled a million different ways by a million different people.
Ok, this may be an exaggeration (a million people), but it’s time out for allowing people to take up all your time. When I first started out, I allowed people to take advantage of me. I loved helping them with their business, but in the end, it was very stressful. Nine times out of ten, I would help them with a business idea, they’d be excited for a little while, and then they’d on to another project, not finishing the first. I felt like my energy was absorbed. When you wake up in the morning, ask the Lord for divine schedules. Ask Him, “Where do you need me to be? Should I even assist this person?” While your heart may be in the right place, it’s not about what YOU want to accomplish, but what HE needs you to.
- Do not be so anxious. Don’t worry and be anxious about what’s done or needs to be.
I think if you’re reading this, you’re probably used to setting goals and wanting more out of life. With this desire, though, will come the anxiety of wanting to do it right away. A Scripture that I rock with is Matthew 6:34 –“So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.”
The most valuable piece of information, right above that scripture, Matthew 6:33, tells you to seek His kingdom. When you seek God, everything else is added unto you–wisdom, peace, joy, direction, etc. Try it out tomorrow! Before you get started with your day (no matter what) take at least 15 to 20 minutes, with no distractions in a quiet place, to pray. Ask Him to highlight what needs to be done for the day. You may find yourself being drawn to a certain task (that may not be a priority to you) but go with it! Follow His lead; IT HELPS!
Every tip that I mentioned has helped me tremendously! I’m definitely not a pro, but I think I get better with time,. but I try my hardest. Stay focused. Have you been struggling in the area of time management? If so, share your story!
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